The Counter Review: A Comprehensive Look at the Popular Restaurant Chain

The Counter, a modern Turkish restaurant in Notting Hill, is quietly making a name for itself with its creative use of charcoal in its dishes. Chef Kemal Demirasal, a former windsurfing champion turned self-taught cook, has taken the Turkish food scene by storm with his artisanal approach to cooking.

Despite being open for a year, The Counter has yet to make a flashy debut. There are no queues around the block and reservations are still available. However, with its unique menu and growing reputation, it’s only a matter of time before this UK-first-time venture becomes a hotspot for foodies.

Key Takeaways

  • The Counter is a modern Turkish restaurant located in Notting Hill.
  • Chef Kemal Demirasal is known for his creative use of charcoal in his dishes.
  • Despite its quiet debut, The Counter’s unique menu and growing reputation make it a must-visit for foodies.

Counter – The Full Review

The Food

The Counter is a restaurant that prides itself on its creativity with Turkish cuisine. The lamb liver skewers are a perfect example of this creativity. While some may describe them as overcooked when eaten on their own, when wrapped in flatbread with tabbouleh, they become something magical. The chocolate babaganoush is another standout dish that is smoky, sweet, and utterly delicious. The lamb tartare and vine leaves (dolmades) are served deconstructed and are upstaged by the babaganoush or the kibbeh that follows. The kibbeh is chewy and packed with fragrant minced beef and tahini sauce. For mains, the kofte kebab is a classic dish that is perfectly executed and served with a tomato salad and a bowl of pilaf rice seasoned with dried fruit and spice.

The Drink

The drinks at The Counter are creative and delicious. The kazandibi cocktail is a Turkish dessert made of hazelnut-fat-washed bourbon, salted caramel, orange, and cinnamon. The kazandibi resembles an old fashioned but manages to be something completely unique. The şalgam is a Turkish margarita made with fermented black carrot juice, mezcal, pandan, and spice.

The Look

The Counter has a cool and effortless design with exposed red-brick and salvaged wood tabletops. The low lamp lighting creates a relaxed atmosphere similar to a living room at a dinner party. The bartop behind which the kitchen prepares the food is a highlight and provides a front-row seat to the food theatre.

Final Thoughts

The Counter is a restaurant that should be on everyone’s list of must-visit places. The creativity and execution of the dishes are top-notch, and the drinks are creative and delicious. The design of the restaurant is effortlessly cool, and the bartop provides a unique dining experience. The Counter is a restaurant that takes old techniques and makes them modern, and few are doing it as well as they are in London.

The Counter – Practical Information and Map

The Counter is a well-known restaurant chain that offers gourmet burgers, salads, and shakes. It has multiple locations across the United States and is a popular spot for casual dining.

Practical Information

Here are some practical details about The Counter that you should know:

  • Menu: The Counter’s menu features a wide variety of burgers, including beef, turkey, chicken, and veggie options. They also offer salads, sides, and milkshakes.
  • Pricing: The prices at The Counter are a bit on the higher side, but the quality of the food justifies the cost.
  • Reservations: The Counter does not take reservations, but they do offer online ordering for pickup or delivery.
  • Hours: The hours of operation vary by location, but most are open for lunch and dinner.
  • Dress Code: The Counter has a casual dress code, so you can come as you are.

Map

Here is a map of The Counter’s various locations across the United States:

LocationAddress
New York1451 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
Los Angeles2901 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Chicago666 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614
Dallas3100 Knox St Suite 104, Dallas, TX 75205
Miami19565 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura, FL 33180

Overall, The Counter is a great option for anyone looking for a delicious burger in a casual setting. With multiple locations across the United States, it’s easy to find one near you.